Building Regs & Sustainability

Question 1

When did Approved Doc Part L come into force?

Answer 1

June 2022

Question 2

What is the core objective for Part L?

Answer 2

Part L 2021 is intended to be an interim step towards the introduction of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025. The headline objective is reduction of regulated carbon dioxide emissions by 30% in new dwellings and 27% in new buildings.

Question 3

What is the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025?

Answer 3

the Future Homes Standard (FHS) revolutionizes UK new builds. FHS slashes carbon emissions by 75-80%, prioritizes low-carbon heating, and focuses on super-insulated, energy-efficient homes. This ambitious standard requires industry innovation to create comfortable, sustainable homes for the future.

Aims to eliminate dwellings’ reliance on fossil fuels, instead using low carbon energy sources, such as heat pumps and other renewables

Question 4

What are the penalties for not complying with the MEES regs?

Answer 4

financial penalty not exceeding (or whichever is greater than) £5,000 or 10% of the rateable value of the property and the register/publication penalty. This rises to £10,000 or 20% of rateable value, to a maximum of £50,000 if the matter is not resolved within three months. Rising to a maximum of £150,000 after the three-month period.

Question 5

What is Passivhaus?

Answer 5

Passive Houses make efficient use of the sun, internal heat sources and heat recovery, rendering conventional heating systems unnecessary throughout even the coldest of winters. During warmer months, Passive Houses make use of passive cooling techniques such as strategic shading to keep comfortably cool.

Question 6

What are the key differences between BREEAM and LEED?

Answer 6

BREEAM originated in the UK and is more common in the UK & Europe. LEED was establised in the USA.

Many of the same criteria are reviewed, energy, water, innovative design, but BREEAM is rated unclassified to outstanding, LEED is certified to platinum.

BREEAM uses licensed assessors who then report to BRE, LEED requires applicants to submit to the US Green Building Council who then examines and issues a certificate.